I'll admit: I'm a little bitobsessed with augmented exosuits, also known as exoskeletons. For those unfamiliar with exactly what that is, just think of Tony Stark's Iron Man suit and you'll get the picture.

The X1 is specially designed to deliver a rich array of movements for the wearer. It features 10 degrees of freedom and four motorized joints (the hips and knees), plus six passive joints (used for sidestepping, turning and pointing, and flexing a foot).

In workout mode, the device reverses the standard exoskeleton equation, with the motors instead resisting movement to provide resistance training. This could be valuable to helping astronauts exercise and maintain muscle mass while in space, a place where large traditional exercise machines are problematic.

In standard assist mode, the X1 could be used on a Moon or Mars mission to assist the human space traveller in hoisting heavy boxes. Though NASA did not explicitly mention it, the system's electric storage could likely be recharged by solar power at the landing site.

NASA has a pretty neat video of the suit in action here (complete with fun electronic groove soundtrack):

NASA Space Technology Program chief Michael Gazarik comments, "What's extraordinary about space technology and our work with projects like Robonaut are the unexpected possibilities space tech spinoffs may have right here on Earth. It's exciting to see a NASA-developed technology that might one day help people with serious ambulatory needs begin to walk again, or even walk for the first time. That's the sort of return on investment NASA is proud to give back to America and the world."

III. Helping Paraplegics Walk

Back on Earth; NASA also has ambitious plans for the device -- namely, using it to assist paraplegics (those who suffer from paralysis below the waist). NASA and the IHMC have developed advanced assisted walking algorithms capable of navigating over "varied terrain". This could allow handicapped individuals to walk freely for the first time, even climbing up stairs like able-bodied folks.

IHMC director Ken Ford comments, "We greatly value our collaboration with NASA. The X1's high-performance capabilities will enable IHMC to continue performing cutting-edge research in mobility assistance while expanding into the field of rehabilitation."

NASA and the IHMC want to use the suit to help Paraplegics walk. [Image Source: eHow]

Hopefully, this novel program continues to receive the funding it deserves, stepping (with a bit of help) one step closer to helping the paralyzed walk and helping astronauts achieve superhuman load-bearing operations.

To be honest though, I usually just set the box on a cabinet or table, cut the box off, and done...if you really need to save the box for some reason (returning an old, end of lease one?), just cut on the seams...Tape will hold it back together just fine...